with a fit of fury, he was about to lay hands on the gardener,
when, to his astonishment, he found that he was also gone.

"I am undone," cried the unhappy Pedro; "and now I shall not see the
princess again." Saying which he fainted away, and might probably have
remained there some time, but that he heard a voice saying, in a jocular
manner--

"There were once seven pigeons who said, 'Seven pigeons are we,
and----'"

Pedro started to his feet, and close to him was standing the princess
whom he had previously seen in the balcony.

"Why do you thus tease me, princess?" said Pedro. "I want to hear no
more about the seven horrid pigeons."

"Don Pedro de Aragon," answered the princess, "I must tell you that the
old gardener to whom you spoke is a magician, and he has possessed
himself of the last means I had of regaining my liberty, for I am under
his power. Is it not true that you came here with the purpose of killing
me?"

"I was under a vow to do so," replied Pedro; "but I cannot kill you,
although I would rather slay you, fair princess, than do you a more
grievous injury."

"Go back, then, to the unhappy lady whom you left on the sea-shore, and
tell her that you have been false to your promises," said the princess.

"How sorry I am," exclaimed Pedro, "that I was ever destined to be King
of Aragon! When I was a poor fisherman, I was far happier than I am
now!"

"Pedro of Aragon, the moon will be at the full to-night, and you may
then rescue me," said the princess, "if you have the courage to meet the
wicked magician in this garden at midnight, for then is his power
weakest."

"I am prepared for the worst," replied Pedro, "and I fear not your
gaoler."

"Well, then," continued the princess, "when the magician sees you he
will again tell you about the seven pigeons; but when he has finished,
you must tell him that there were once seven wives who had only one
husband, and that they are waiting outside to see him. Do as I tell you,
and if you are not afraid of his anger, you may be able to free me."

Pedro promised to do as he was told, and the princess having retired
into the palace, Pedro amused himself by walking under the lofty
balconies, watching the fire-flies grow brighter as night came on.

Just about midnight the magician was seen watering the pinks, and as
soon as he perceived Pedro he said--

"There were once seven pigeons who said, 'Seven pigeons are we, and with
other seven pigeons we might all